Lakshya Sen began his Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, producing a controlled and confident straight-games victory over compatriot Ayush Shetty to move into the pre-quarterfinals of the Super 750 event in New Delhi.
The 2022 champion needed just 36 minutes to seal a 21-12, 21-15 win in what was one of the most anticipated all-Indian clashes of the opening day.
Playing on familiar courts and backed by strong home support, Lakshya looked assured from the very first rally. His movement was sharp, his shot selection disciplined, and his understanding of the drift and pace of the court clearly superior. In contrast, Ayush Shetty, making his first India Open main-draw appearance against a player of Lakshya’s stature, appeared tentative early on a factor that proved decisive in the opening game.
The first game was largely one-way traffic. Lakshya established an early lead by controlling the mid-court and repeatedly forcing Ayush into rushed clears and defensive lifts. His ability to vary pace, especially with his half-smashes and steep cross-court angles, kept Ayush constantly on the back foot. Before Ayush could settle, Lakshya had already built a commanding cushion, eventually closing out the game 21-12.
Ayush’s body language and shot quality improved significantly in the second game, suggesting he had finally acclimatised to the conditions inside the arena. He began taking the shuttle earlier, showed greater intent at the net, and even enjoyed brief spells where he matched Lakshya rally for rally. The second game, as expected, was far more competitive and felt like a battle of equals for long stretches.
However, the difference lay in Lakshya’s composure at crucial moments. Each time Ayush threatened to close the gap, Lakshya responded with precise placement or a well-timed acceleration. His defence-to-attack transitions were seamless, and he consistently won the longer rallies a sign of both physical readiness and mental clarity. Despite a late surge from Ayush, the early gap proved too large to bridge, and Lakshya wrapped up the contest 21-15.
Post-match, there was a sense that while the scoreline suggested comfort, the contest offered valuable lessons for both players. Ayush showed glimpses of why he is regarded as one of India’s most promising young singles shuttlers, particularly in the second game where his confidence grew visibly. As he later acknowledged, Lakshya, in this kind of form, can feel almost invincible.
For Lakshya, the performance was close to ideal — efficient, controlled, and physically undemanding, allowing him to conserve energy as the tournament progresses. Having lifted the India Open title in 2022, he knows what it takes to go deep at this event, and this opening-round display underlined his intent to once again be a major contender.
The win sets up a compelling pre-quarterfinal clash against Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto, a player known for his consistency, defensive solidity, and ability to grind out long matches. While Lakshya will start as the favourite, Nishimoto’s retrieving skills and patience will present a very different challenge compared to the aggressive but still-developing Ayush Shetty.
As the India Open Super 750 gathers momentum, Lakshya Sen’s SEN-sational start has not only reignited memories of his title run four years ago but also reaffirmed his status as India’s best bet in men’s singles this week. For Ayush, the result may sting, but the experience gained on such a stage could prove invaluable in the long run.
